How HR Technology Can Identify Employee Skill Gaps

Skilled employees are assets, but many organizations struggle to provide the right development opportunities. Employees are eager to grow their competencies, yet without structured support, they may not gain the critical skills needed to advance. This is where your HRMS comes into play. Follow these steps to identify skill gaps and provide employees with the right training for their needs.

Establish a strong data foundation

Modern HRMS platforms offer extensive tools for tracking skills, competencies, training, and performance. However, these features are often underutilized or only partially implemented. To conduct an effective skill gap analysis, organizations must ensure that every job role is fully documented within the HRMS, including required skills and competencies.

This information must be digitally accessible, not siloed in separate evaluation systems or paper records. Once job requirements are mapped within the HRMS, employee skills should be assessed against these benchmarks. Even starting with self-assessments via employee self-service can help establish a baseline for competency gap analysis.

Model career development scenarios

With structured data in place, HR teams can assess career progression opportunities. Every role should follow a logical growth path, with employees' skills continuously aligned with job expectations. The HRMS should be able to highlight competency gaps, mismatches, and missing skills, enabling talent gap analysis to drive workforce planning.

For accuracy, both job data and employee data must be standardized so they speak the same language. Once calibrated, the system can provide a clear skill gap assessment and guide development efforts accordingly.

Recommended Reading: Find a self service HRMS to help fill any employee skill gaps

Get the details in front of employees

Here is where the rubber meets the road for an employee! Career development is no longer a once-a-year discussion during the merit cycle.

Employees must have on-demand access to their current skill profiles and the steps needed for career progression.

Advanced HRMS software now provides personalized learning recommendations, much like Amazon suggests products. Based on competency gap analysis, the system can propose relevant courses, mentorship opportunities, or hands-on projects that address critical skill gaps. Employees can explore potential career paths and identify the skills needed for future roles.

Make the next steps easy

To bridge competency gaps, your HRMS should integrate with learning management systems (LMS) and mentorship programs. Employees should be able to easily enroll in relevant training, sign up for job-shadowing opportunities, or connect with mentors. A well-implemented HRMS ensures that once skill gaps are identified, employees have a clear and accessible path to address them.